Final answer:
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin that protects underlying tissues. It consists of epithelial cells called keratinocytes, which produce keratin. The dermis is the inner layer of the skin, made of tough connective tissues and housing most of the skin's structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin that provides protection to underlying tissues from physical damage, pathogens, and UV light. It consists mainly of epithelial cells called keratinocytes, which produce a protein called keratin. The epidermis undergoes continuous mitosis to form new cells, which move up towards the skin surface, become filled with keratin, and eventually die to form the stratum corneum, a protective, waterproof layer.
The dermis is the inner layer of the skin, composed of tough connective tissues that provide strength and stretch. It contains blood vessels, nerve endings, hair follicles, and glands. The dermis plays a major role in maintaining a stable body temperature and also houses most of the skin's structures.